Josiah Pahulu has the weight of Queensland on his shoulders in today's NRL National Schoolboys grand final.
Captaining Ipswich State High School in the decider against Patrician Brothers Fairfield, the Future Titans forward will lead his school out onto Moreton Daily Stadium for their first-ever national big dance after claiming their maiden Phil Hall Cup in emphatic fashion against Ignatius Park 30-10 a fortnight ago.
The powerful front rower is now hoping to lead from the front and be crowned Australian champions by the end of full-time against the New South Wales powerhouse school.
The boys have prepared well and they just can't wait to go out there and play. his week was more about just doing our jobs and trying to do it well," Pahulu said.
"We'll be expecting their line speed to be fast, the contact to be strong and the game will be fast as well.
"We just need to be in the arm wrestle and it always comes down to who wants it most at the end of the game."
The dynamic forward - who has been likened to Reuben Cotter - has led from the front all season for his Ipswich school and has adapted a similar leadership style to that of first grade captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui... letting his actions do the talking.
"I feel like I'm the same as Tino... I don't usually talk too much," Pahulu said.
"I think the easier way to talk is through actions and I know the boys follow through as well."
With 2022 being an incredible season for Pahulu's rugby league journey - including Under 19s State of Origin and green and gold selection, a national title will be the cherry on top for the Australian Schoolboy.
"This year has been really unbelievable," he admitted.
"During the Queensland Under 19s, I think that was a whole new experience for me. Just to train with the older boys and just to see how they train and how they carry themselves off the field, it was a great chance to learn.
"With making Australian Schoolboys, it was another goal of mine this year and I've been working really hard for a couple of years now.
"Being able to have the opportunity to play for Australia is really special."
The 18-year-old will finish his season at the Gold Coast Titans, completing a train-and-trial with his goal to soak up as much as he can while at Parkwood.
"I'm pretty keen and when I get down there, I just want to surround myself with hard workers and see what they do and how they do it," Pahulu said.
"My goal is for me is to be a learner. For me when I develop, I always try and take little things from every every single coach and try and apply it to myself to be a better player."
Kick-off is at 3.30pm at Moreton Daily Stadium, Redcliffe.
